2020 Jeep Wrangler safety updates

MANILA: The 2020 Jeep Wrangler received updated safety features that kicked its score to a three-star rating when tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Room for Improvement

Fiat Chrysler Australia recently introduced additional safety upgrades to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler. These upgrades include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). These were added as a standard safety feature across all variants which caused the ANCAP to reconsider and perform additional safety tests to the newer models.

After testing the all-new Wrangler, ANCAP amended the vehicle’s rating from a poor one-star to a decent three-stars. However, ANCAP still warns consumers that the aforementioned upgrades to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is still two points shy of a five-star rating. Having said, its three-star rating is indicative that some safety deficiencies might still be found.

Potential buyers might shy away from purchasing the 2020 models including the limited-edition Willys and Black & Tan models.

James Goodwin, ANCAP Chief Executive, pointed out that the structural deficiencies found on the models they initially tested have not been addressed by these upgrades and remain an inherent risk for both the driver and the passengers. The deficiencies mentioned were high seatbelt loads, excessive pedal movement, footwell intrusion, as well as A-pillar and cross-fascia beam failures.

Moreover, ANCAP also noted that the added Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB) did not have cyclist and pedestrian detection. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler also did not have Active Lane Support.

With all the added safety features, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler still has room for improvement.

Tested Variants

The new three-star rating applies to all Jeep Wrangler variants produced after the safety features were introduced. That said, variants manufactured from November 2019 to present all have the new three-star score which includes two-door and four-door variants supplied to both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Amongst the tested vehicles, ANCAP found that both the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) helped drivers avoid crashing with another vehicle in both high-speed and low-speed driving scenarios.

The Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle whose reputation was built around being tough, durable, and reliable so it’s disappointing to see meagre ratings especially when it comes to its safety features.

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